BOTM 8/12: Eagle Rare 10 Year 101 Proof

I had a hard time choosing a BOTM this month. I did have a couple in mind, but decided not to do either one of those. I'm glad I didn't. It just so happens that ER 101 has been brought up lately in conversation or correspondence that I've had with a couple of members. I could have sworn it was BOTM once. I had to look twice when I saw that it hadn't been. So, we're gonna pull a dusty out of the hat for everyone this month. The BOTM for this month is ER 101.

My thoughts. I've been lucky enough to have all three versions of ER 101; Lawrenceberg, New Orleans, and Frankfort. (For some of you new folks, ER 101 was made at more than one place.) IMHO, all versions are good. I usually don't post pictures with the BOTM, but I did this time. One to show the bottle, and another to show the label on the back of the bottle. I know that the subject of advertising has been brought up here on the site occasionally. I thought about that when I saw the label on the back of the bottle. Take a look at that pic. Draw your own conclusions. As far as the taste goes, I do think ER 101 is one of the better bourbons ever made. It's definitely in my top five. Some folks will agree with me, some won't. Just my opinion. To me it's one of those rare bourbons that has a truly great balance. There's a bit of sweetness to it, while at the same time a touch of spice. Maybe a combo of brown sugar and cinnamon, amongst other flavors. It also has the right amount of what I call "oak and smoke". You can taste a little wood and smoke, but not so much so that those flavors overpower everything else. Add to that a semi-viscous texture for the finishing touch. There you have it, a rich, flavorful, 101 proof bourbon. Overall one darn fine pour. As I'm sure others will agree, too bad it's no longer being produced. Cheers y'all, and happy posting! Joe

Re: BOTM 8/12: Eagle Rare 10 Year 101 Proof

Re: BOTM 8/12: Eagle Rare 10 Year 101 Proof

Nothing like the current sweet light bourbon called Eagle Rare, ER101 is a great all around drinker. You can sip it and it holds up to some good stuff or you can just zone out and drink it without having to think about it.

I think mine is from Frankfort, the last incarnation. I was able to score two plastic handles. I've made my way through half a handle now, and have poured the rest into another bottle to rest for a bit while I finish off the last few pours from the handle.

Certainly one I'm glad to have tried and bunker.

"this hobby is supposed to be fun. When it stops being fun, check yourself, because you're doing it wrong." Charles Cowdery

Re: BOTM 8/12: Eagle Rare 10 Year 101 Proof

Originally Posted by Young Blacksmith

Nothing like the current sweet light bourbon called Eagle Rare.

Yep, the current Eagle Rare Single Barrel is flat and one dimensional, but when a bourbon virgin asks me what would be a good bourbon to start out on I always suggest Eagle Rare Single Barrel.
It is a good way to indroduce and have a starting base for your palate for good things to come.

Re: BOTM 8/12: Eagle Rare 10 Year 101 Proof

I've had one bottle of ER101, and one in the bunker. I am not sure DSP the one I put away already was, but I can say it was very, very good. The nose was especially nice. I said it here before, but it was distinctly like one of those root beer hard candies shaped like a barrel. The palate was also sweet, but not cloying.

The one I have in the bunker is from NOLA, courtesy of Halifax. Thanks, Rod.

There are two ways of getting home; and one of them is to stay there. - GK Chesterton